Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is reminding clients in need of travel clearance for minors traveling abroad (MTA) to apply ahead of their scheduled foreign trips to avoid inconvenience during the Christmas holidays, when there is an upsurge in MTA applications. ‘We are reminding parents and guardians to apply for the document ahead of the intended travel dates of their children. This is to prevent any inconvenience on the day of their departure for their travel abroad,’ Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ideal time to secure the travel clearance certificates (TCC) is 30 days before the intended travel date to avoid processing delays amid the expected surge of applications during the holidays. The provision of TCC for minors traveling abroad is part of the government’s anti-trafficking measures to safeguard minors or individuals below 18 years old traveling outside the Philippines who are unaccompanied by either of their biological parents or persons having parental responsibility or legal custody over the child.

The issuance of travel clearance for minors is also specified under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and the Philippine Passport Act of 1996. The DSWD also issues certificates of exemption (COE) in specific situations wherein children are traveling with an unmarried parent and orphaned children who will travel with their legal guardians.

Dumlao said the application for TCC and COE has been made online and simplified as part of the ease of doing business and digitalization efforts in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘The online system allows anyone to lodge their application anywhere at their most convenient time, as long as they have online devices and web connection,’ she said.

The system requires a virtual meeting, where the parents, their child or children, and the accompanying adult, if applicable, will be interviewed by DSWD social workers to ensure the accuracy of information provided in the online application. The processing of TCC and COE can be applied via the MTA Online System at https://mta.dswd.gov.ph/ or via the eGov PH (e-Government Philippines) mobile application.

‘The integration of the department’s online system to the eGov PH app helps minimize cost, streamline the processes needed to acquire permits from the DSWD, and make it more accessible,” Dumlao said.